Scott's Ramblings...

Prompted To Ramble by Doctor Love

2010-11-12T04:59:00.000-08:00

Renewing the Ramble

I know I know my ramblings have been quiet. I have decided that it is time to be a bit more consistent with getting my thoughts and ramblings written... even if it is just for me.... But if you happen to be reading this then that makes me happy as well.

I wish I could tell you there would be a consistent theme but I am afraid if I say that then I will be locked in. The best I can do is tell you about where I will be rambling about. My intentions are to move randomly through the areas of youth ministry, thoughts about ministry, worship and technologies in the church.

Sometimes we need a spark to get things moving. Often times that spark comes from where you least expect it:

Woke up in the morning and it felt like the black of night
Tumbled out of bed, tripped on my Bible, stumbled over the light
Blinded by the break of day
I shut my eyes, I was alone
Couldn't say my prayers
Good God Almighty
Where's my telephone?

And now I know
Now I know
Know what you meant when you told me
You wanted to hold me
And hold me
Hold me forever
Hold me and never
Tell me you'll ever
Let me go

No I did not know
I didn't understand the plan
You had for me
And it isn't that I don't believe
I do believe that you really love me
Yeah, but how do I reciprocate
When there's nothing good in me?

The Boat Ashore (Mike Roe, Bruce Spencer)

Tonight I was able to go see a concert for the first time in a long that had nothing to do with church or youth ministry. One of my favorite songwriters and musicians Michael Roe was in town. Mike is the lead singer for the 77's and Lost Dogs as well as his own solo music. Michael is irreverently reverent. He makes you think and laugh at the same time. Sometimes we get caught up in so much “stuff” that we forget about doing things that are important not just for ourselves but our souls.

When I gave up, you held up

When I ran out, you filled me up
When I kept runnin', you kept up
When I let you down you lifted me up

This is the way love is

When I couldn't find the words, you understood
When I didn't find the time, you were in no hurry
When I wouldn't make ends meet, you tied them together
When I cheated you kept to the rules

Well, this is the way love is
This is the way love is
When it's a one-sided double-minded mirror with no reflection

77's This Is The Way Love Is Sticks and Stones

Tonight seeing Mike Roe reminded me of why I like his music so much. I have only been able to see Mike with the 77's and Lost Dogs. I have heard his live CD's but I have gotten to hear his fun conversations and commentary. To see “Doctor Love” I was reminded about the wonderful idea of being Irreverently Reverent. This was an evening of just being absorbed into the moment. Sometimes people who work in Ministry forget that we need those times to be absorbed. To allow God to just be there. Not forcing... not working hard... not being a minister.... just being a participant in God's grace that can easily surround us if we allow it to happen.

Ok... now back to the real world... I am looking forward to my next ramblings!

Scott

Notes

Doctor Love is the self made nick name for Michael Roe. If you would like to know more about Mike Roe and his music check out these links:

www.michaelroe.com/

www.77s.com

www.lostdogs.com

Holy Land Reflections September 9, 2009

2009-09-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

September 9, 2009

Today is our Retreat Day in Jerusalem. This morning I took a pilgrimage to what to me sums up the trip. I went to The Church of the Sepulcher. This is one of the most Holy points of many pilgrimages to the Holy Land. I was able to spend time at Calvary the place where Jesus was crucified. I took time to look at some of the graffiti that has been carved into the marble by pilgrims of the past. I went to the tomb while a group was celebrating Mass. I was blessed to be able to stand outside of the tomb door and look in to see the tomb. I also got to look once again at the ladder that has been in dispute for 70 years by the different churches who run a section of this church. I had time to let my mind wander in prayer.

This trip has been an opportunity to rest my body, mind and soul. To let my eyes glow in wonder like a little child. To be a sponge that has overflowed. To see sites that only a few ever get to see. To renew my excitement of sharing the scriptures in my preaching. I have been blessed in so many ways and so appreciate my family, my church, UTS and the Cousins Foundation to allow me 2 weeks to renew myself in ways I did not know needed to be renewed.

I will have time later to sum up my thoughts of this pilgrimage but for now want to share a song that was written by one of our pilgrims.

Israel Song
Steven Kurtz, 8/23/09

I meet you
by the water’s edge
and I see you
at the night-time’s end

I feel you
in these ancient stones
where your footsteps echo

I meet you
like those fishermen
and I follow
‘till the night-time ends

I feel you
in these gathered here
where your voice still echoes

Chorus:
all through these years
all through these empires
stacked on one another
I can still hear
your voice is calling, calling

“Come, weary pilgrims
come, to the water” (4Xs)

Chorus:
all through these years
all through these empires
stacked on one another
I can still hear
your voice is calling, calling

all through these years
all through these birthdays
stacked on one another
I can still hear
your voice, is calling, calling

“Come, weary pilgrims
come, to the water” (4Xs)

I meet you
by the water’s edge
and I see you
at the night-time’s end

I feel you
in these ancient stones
where your footsteps echo.........

Holy Land Reflections September 8, 2009

2009-09-08T23:05:00.000-07:00

September 8, 2009

What an incredible day! We drove to the Southern part of the West Bank toward the Dead Sea. Some people wanted to go swimming in the Dead Sea at first. To me it was not appealing. I do not even like swimming in the ocean. Well after hearing from our nurse on the trip and the Cesspool from Brian and I a number of people stuck their hands in or their feet except for JW. Our Korean Rabi went ahead and took a swim. He said every part of his body was stinging. I didn't go into details about what exactly that meant but I know he took two showers and still felt the effects.

Our trip to Masada was one of my favorite fun trips. It was a trip that didn't include a Holy Site which is what I really needed. I was beginning to hit overload. Masada was featured in a movie about the rebel Israelis last stand against the Roman empire. The Israelis rebels went to Masada which was originally built by Harrod for the last stand. In the end all but a couple women and children committed suicide. This was all documented by Josephus. Seeing the architecture and engineering that went into this place was amazing yet crazy being out in the middle of nowhere.
We also went to Qu'umran where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. The tour and caves were very cool. Unfortunately the Shepherd boy who found the Scrolls which were considered the find of a lifetime died recently due to not being able to afford his medication he needed. That really puts into perspective of what we are going through today.

Today I truly understood what was meant by wilderness. The southern part of Israel/West Bank are barren with beautiful spots of vegetation. My appreciation for the struggle of those in the Bible as well as now has changed so much.

Holy Land Reflections September 7

2009-09-07T12:12:00.000-07:00

Today was a mix of sites. We went to the Garden Tomb, St. Peter in Chains Church, The Western Wall and The Upper Room.

Often times people refer to the Western Wall as The Wailing Wall. Today it was anything but wailing. Today was a the celebration of many Barmitzvas. There were so many families entering through the Dung Gate (yes... it really is called that) with music and families singing and dancing with the young man they were celebrating in the middle. It was soooooo much fun to watch. It was also a really cool blessing to go to the wall with prayer requests for my friends and church.
The Upper Room is in a location that also houses King David's Tomb and a Muslim place of worship. They think that may be the place where David's tomb was. So far as the Upper Room the physical building is not the same (it was built by the Crusaders) but... It is very much agreed upon that it is the location where the room should be.

The place I really didn't want to go to at first was the Garden Tomb. It is a place that was “discovered” in the 1880's by someone who did not like the “Smells and Bells” of the Church of the Sepulcher. So he found a place that may have been where Golgotha and the Tomb looked like it could have been. Typically this is a place more celebrated by Christians who are not as comfortable with the High Church look of the Franciscans, Ethiopians, Greeks and others. In fact the cave that was chosen for this site was more than likely a stable used by the Crusaders.
But, what I did finally figure out it doesn't really matter. The place is beautiful and is truly Holy Ground. While we were there we had time to celebrate communion together in a very worshipful way. It was such a spiritual experience.

Today after some rest I took my own adventure myself down to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and got to look at the ladder that has been a point of conflict for 70 years. It was so much fun wandering through the market and sitting on the steps watching other pilgrims making their holy walk to this place. My feet have been blessed to walk in the steps of all the past, present and future pilgrims. I know coming home for me will not be the same. I still am not sure where the changes will be but I also know a time like this does not allow you to stay the same.

Holy Land Reflections September 6

2009-09-07T12:07:00.000-07:00

Today we ventured through the Heavy Walls and Fortified gates surrounded by the Israel Army to go to The Shepherd's Field, worship at The Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church and The Church of the Nativity.

Let me list some emotional responses first. Anger....Hurt....Hope....Laughter....Peace....Frustration....Heavy Heart....Urgency

The Shepherd's Field is much like Disney Land in a Israel type of place. It was possible displays and touristy. Not much to say.

Worship was amazing. I worshiped side by side with Palestinian Christians. Let me deal with one misconception. Most Palestinians are Arabs and an Arab can be a Christian. The service was in Arabic with a little bit of english and an english bulletin for us.

Two things stuck with me throughout the words to the last hymn which the switched to something different: “Dear Lord and Father of mankind, forgive our foolish ways; reclothe us in our rightful mind, in purer lives thy service find, in deeper reverence, praise.”he gospel lesson for the day was Luke 10: 25-37
The Parable of the Good Samaritan
25On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?"
26"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"
27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'[a]; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'[b]"
28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."
29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"
30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[c] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"
37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

What I saw in the West Bank was disturbing. It is totally opposite of Jerusalem. It is dirty. It is falling apart. It is a people who are walled in from civilization. I know what you hear... what I hear in the news. But it is not all necessarily true. The history is that many of the Palestinians had places to live all over Israel. During the different wars in the beginning of the country they were told to leave their houses. Whether it was by request or by gunpoint. When they were finally allowed back many of them found Israelis living in their house taking it over. Their key even still fit the lock... but their home was lost. They were pushed into refugee camps in Gaza, The West Bank and Jordan. Yes we have heard about the violence... but they also wanted their homes back.

We were able to go through a refugee camp while we were here. It was awful. It is the same place where George W. Bush had visited.

But there is hope... I saw children playing... I saw art that has won international awards. I also heard the statement that our best weapon is education.

On the way out of the West Bank we saw a Israelis Settlement. It was not what you think. It was like a gated community. It was rows and rows of beautiful townhouses.
Israel is a place without peace. Peace will have to come through the generations of the children I saw playing.

My heart is heavy but not without hope!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Breathe through the heats of our desire thy coolness and thy balm;
let sense be dumb, let flesh retire; speak through the earthquake,
wind, and fire, O still, small voice of calm.

Holy Land Reflections September 5th

2009-09-05T04:53:00.000-07:00

Today I have begun my pilgrimage journey into Jerusalem. I began in the Mt of Olives. Ok... the funnies thing ever was we were having a serious teaching moment from our guide when I heard “Hey Guys Check Me Out!” I turned around and Curnell Graham was riding a camel with some guy pulling him along. I looked at our leader Jim Eller and smiled and said... “Welcome to Youth Ministry.”

We took time to walk the path of where Jesus came into Jerusalem riding on a donkey then began to walk the path of the Via Dolorosa. We know this was about the journey. There have been changes due to many different things in the Old City but one thing was for certain. Jesus was made to walk through the busy market streets carrying the cross to a place that was not too far from the Temple.

It was moving for me. Emotional in ways I cannot describe. The Church of the Holy Suplucher is the church the houses both Golgotha and the tomb. Realize many things were closer together than we realize. The two locations are housed within the same building. Helen of Rome dug around the cave where the tomb is and then built a church over it. Then there is a church build right over everything. It is hard to describe. I would encourage you to look up pictures online to see the exact layout. The place was a madhouse of pilgrims from everywhere. I plan to go Wednesday Morning early to see everything myself without the crowd.

Truly my emotions are all over the place. But I imagine that is what most pilgrims have said as well.

Blessings!
Scott

Holy Land Reflections September 4

2009-09-04T20:44:00.000-07:00

September 3, 2009

We left Galilee today. It was really sad. This was truly a place of retreat for me. I will miss the Sisters and staff from our stay there.

We went to two stops... Megiddo and Ceasaria Martina then onto Jerusalem.

Megiddo you may better know as Armageddon. I understand why John used this place as his reference as the final battle. It is a place surrounded by many mountains while the ancient city that housed 25 different civilizations literally was a man made mountain as well. I have to admit I did find something really amusing there during the film. It is a state park and somewhere in the land is a waterpark. Just think... The Armageddon Water Park. Let's check out the slide of destruction.

Ceasaria Martina is a ancient roman style city. It was very cool but our time there was so short.

What amazed me was the Old City of Jerusalem.

Here are two thoughts or experiences.

The distance from the Temple to the place where Jesus was crucified was only 4 blocks or so... It made sense... they wanted people to see.

We made it to the area above the Western Wall and Dome of the Rock in time to hear the prayers from the different Mosques. I know I am not Muslim but it was very worshipful hearing the prayers echoed through the valley.

Blessings

Holy Land Reflections September 3, 2009

2009-09-04T07:47:00.000-07:00

Today was our retreat day. Imagine the idea of having a day free staying at the Mount of Beatitudes. For a long time I was unsure of what I would do to spend so much time. Would it mean sitting in one of the gardens contemplating all day? Would it mean a day of prayer and solitude?

Ok... forget that if you are reading this you know that is not possible. I and two other kindred spirits decided to go a walking. Hey... Jesus walked all over these hills so why couldn't we? We walked to Capernaum and walked past traditional place of Peter's house to the church on the next property owned by the Greek Orthodox church. If you have never been in a Greek Orthodox church you have missed something. This church was painted wall to wall with beautiful Icons. The minute I walked in I knew I was on Holy ground. There was music playing and many individual icons around the sanctuary. I was there for a long time pondering and praying through a number of Icons. It was the most worshipful time I have had on this trip. There has been a lot both on my heart going in and much freshness that has been replaced. I really feel like today I have had enough time walking praying, sharing and contemplating that I have some new directions that I need to look into and peruse. Was the Holy Land necessary for this time? Or was it the opportunity to separate myself for two weeks from the things that push and tug on my life? These are some questions that I am not sure if I will ever have answers for.

Let me give you some other highlights:

Met a cool Orthodox Brother that hung out with us both in the church and at the picnic tables. Just icing on an incredibly worshipful time.

Had a kitten try to adopt me at the Church of Peter. My wife would have fallen in love with this kitten.

In the intense heat (over 100 degrees) I really started getting way to dehydrated on the walk back. I realized that it was from rushing to much. How often do we rush through life and hurt ourselves due to the fact of not taking the time to take care of ourselves. Tim and Brian were so incredibly patient with me.

I got some more time to visit with Sister Salvatorina. Such an incredible Godly Woman. I really could spend hours just soaking up her wisdom and knowledge of prayer. I was truly blessed with the knowledge she has been praying for me during my time of retreat and was going to continue as I complete my pilgrimage. Thank You Father Rob for such a gift of introducing me to her through your e-mails.

Our Host (Hospice Director) at the Beatitudes has been such an incredible help through this time. He helped me and my other two Kindred brethren to escape the gates of Beatitudes and take a cab to a wonderful Lebanese restaurant. The brought 16 or so types of salads for the 3 of us along with individual plates of meat. It was a feast of kings that were shared by 3 lowly peasant pastors.

I am excited. Tomorrow we travel to Jerusalem. I know things will be moving faster from this point forward. I am excited and look forward to the sites, smells and bells we will be experiencing.

Blessings!

Scott

Holy Land Reflections September 2, 2009

2009-09-02T07:48:00.000-07:00

I felt like a world traveler today.

Today was a drive that created quite a bit of emotion within my soul. Today I drove in the land that used to be Syria. I looked into the land of Lebanon. I was literally 30 minutes away from Damascus.

Here are words that come to mind.

Love-----------------Hate

Peace---------------War

Prosperity----------------Denial

Eyes opened---------------------Death and Blind to the truth

I saw ruins of Syrian villages that were abandoned from the war in 1967. A war that only lasted a few days. I saw tanks. I heard artillery shots from military drills. I saw UN troops in the buffer zone. I saw newly built villages from settlers in The Golan Heights. I also was blessed with seeing the ruins of Cesaria Phillipi. I saw the springs that begin the flow of what becomes the Jordan river. I saw destroyed vehicles remnants from the 6 day war.

I was really excited earlier in the week about the idea of looking into Syria and Lebanon. To actually walk on the land that originally belonged to Syria. To be near Crusader Castles. To walk in areas that were walked on by Abraham.... Issac..... Jacob..... David....... yet I see remnants of villages that were abandoned and destroyed by war in a land where peace may never exist.

Where we were today only 2 years ago was a battle field with artillery, tanks, guns and troops were prepared to invade Syria.

I am mixed... I am torn.... I am blessed... Thanks Be To God for the honesty and ability to be conflicted yet to understand that God is Good all of the time. I do not always have to understand but I am called to be faithful.

Fellow travelers... Enjoy the Struggle!

Holy Land Reflections September 1, 2009

2009-09-02T07:38:00.000-07:00

What an fun... lazy.... insightful day.

Today we got to take a boat ride on the Galilee. I keep trying to put a perspective on this. The Galilee region was primarily the area where Jesus ministry was based. The Sea of Galilee is really a lake. It is not even a big lake. My perspective would be that it is smaller than Lake Cumberland. It is only 13 miles long and 6 miles wide. You could easily drive around it in an hour or so. Yet in Jesus time it was truly bigger than this. You didn't have a car or a bus to drive you around. You didn't even have a horse. Your transportation was you. Your feet were the way you got around.

We also got to see a boat that was found in the Sea that was from Jesus time. It wasn't that big. You could have fit 13 people in it but it would have been tight.

Our last stop of the day is Tabgha. This church sits on the place where we believe that Jesus fed the multitude. The church was amazing. It was a truly worshipful experience.

Today what impacted me the most was my time here at the Beatitudes. Reflection time for me is often difficult. I went down to the Church of the Beatitudes to spend a few minutes to see Sister Salvatorina. The Sister is a close friend of Father Rob who is the parish priest next to MFUMC at St. Andrews. Sister Salvatorina is in charge of the Church there and is such a presence of warmth, humility and spirit. I was so blessed with Fr Rob making that connection for me. Before I got to talk to her I took time to pray through the Stations of the Cross then after some time of visiting I went out to the veranda and took time to reflect on the Beatitudes. Blessed.... the words Blessed are so powerful yet so simple. We are blessed with so much but yet take so much for granted. I wish I could explain the thoughts and feelings that I am experiencing right now. I know that some things in my life will change from this trip but I also know that God has had things in store for me that I have not yet totally understood. My incredible room mate is a Presbyterian pastor and I know we sometimes hear the jokes about being predestined. I truly believe that there were things in this trip that God did plan or predestine for me. I just wish I could have been like the kid at Christmas and know ahead of time what it was.

Thanks for putting up with my rants and ramblings. I hope you take time to look at the ways God has blessed you recently.

Scott

Holy Land Reflections August 31

2009-08-31T12:21:00.001-07:00

Today was amazing in a multitude of ways. Some I can put down in writing some I cannot. I think what amazes me is now that I am feeling back to normal in the rest area it is sinking in. I am really walking in footsteps of history. Today I went to a town called Sepphoris. I know many have not even heard of this town. It was the metropolis outside of Nazareth. This town was originally built by the Romans then destroyed then rebuilt by Herod through the Romans all during the time when Jesus was a child through his years as a young adult. There is a good chance that both Joseph and Jesus were day laborers in this town doing stone and carpentry work.

Think about it. My foot may have been on a stone... near a building... on ground where Jesus and Joseph worked until Jesus was a young adult. It is blowing my mind in many different ways. I cannot believe how stinking blessed I am to be here. For the last few days I have been slowly reading a historical fiction book on the crusades. While we were in the theater as I was looking up I saw what seemed to be a newer building. It was a Crusader Watch tower. I have been like a sponge soaking in history from BC through 1200 or so AD just within a few steps.

Later on today we went to Nazareth. I kind of knew what I was getting into. I heard one person refer to Nazareth as the Gatlinburg of the Middle East. In many ways it is. Lots of religious junk shops and markets. We did see what were possibly the places where Mary lived and was visited by the angel and the house of Joseph where Mary, Joseph and Jesus may have lived. Both places had big churches built over them. In reality what these houses were would have been caves. Whether these were really the places or not... these are places where pilgrims have come for centuries to be on pilgrimages to visit the holy places of our Christian Faith. My foot was in the city where Jesus grew up. It would have been the equivalent of slum suburb of Sepphoris. Nazareth would have been a place with around 400 people living during the time of Jesus. It would not have been a nice place. That is why it was said that nothing good could come out of Nazareth. But out of this town came the one who changed the world through his voice and willingness to die for our sins. I am truly in Awe.

Tomorrow I am going on a boat ride on the Galilee. I hope this turns out better than my white water experiences!

Holy Land Reflections August 30

2009-08-30T12:42:00.000-07:00

Since I have chosen not to blog details but thoughts about my pilgrimage instead I need to warn you that some of my thoughts may ramble a bit. That is just the nature of where I am at in a pilgrimage at this point.

The picture of my foot today is in the Sea of Galilee or Lake Tiberias. Let me give you an idea of my journey today. We began where we are living with worship at the “Mount” of Beatitudes. This is more like a big hill. It is beautiful now. At that time it was probably barren hillside due to the Romans deforesting the area to make use of any and all wood. Some thoughts about worship... sacred due to the place it was at. Humbling... Intense... Frustrating... Thought producing... I know these thoughts seem random. It is interesting when you get so many pastors together and all the individual ideas of what makes worship meaningful. I so appreciate worship but we all have our ways to do it and not all ways lead all people into the presence of God. Then again... sometimes I need to be humbled and frustrated in order to be reminded about how incredible God is!

The Church of the Primacy of Peter struck me in many ways. This place is one where so many other pilgrims feet have walked... It is a place where the disciples came together with Jesus after he came back from the dead (John 21). The steps there were possibly the steps from which Jesus was taken back into heaven. I just sat there... looking at the sea... feeling the wind... knowing that I was on holy ground. So humbling... so mysterious... I am amazed that my feet were here.

Some themes today that have been moving in my mind.

Jesus the Political Leader... One who the Romans wanted to trip up by talking down about their occupation. One who the Jewish leaders wanted to speak up against the Roman occupation. The one who spent nearly 3 years in ministry in an area smaller than must counties in the US.

Call... how do we understand God's calling... how is God continuing to work within the call... where am I going?

My heart is also heavy from hearing about Dr. Bauer. I know I am here and not able to spend time with our youth. I know that tonight that has been weighing on me a lot.

Holy Land Reflections August 29

2009-08-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

Holy Land Reflections August 29th

Ok... Today I can easily admit that I am time and date confused and time. It is nice to be away from those restrictions. Well for those who are wondering where we are at both staying and typing out this stuff. I am living for the first half of the trip in a guest house that is run by Franciscan Nuns on the top of the hill from the Beatitudes Hill. How is that for living in history?

This is the guest house we are staying in

This is the marker for the pope visiting. Also this my room mate Brian

Our view of the Galilee from our guest house

Today we did get to visit Capernaum and Arbel. At Capernaum we did get to see the ruins of the city and Peter's house. Peter's house is ruins with this ultra modern church that looks like a space ship. (pictures soon)

Arbel was very cool. It was written about by Josephus. It is historically a place where Israelites hid either from Harrod or from Rome. (pictures soon)

While I was at Arbel I did some thinking. I heard Max Miller from Cousins Foundation say that the Holy Places may or may not be exactly where Jesus walked but for hundreds of years the Pilgrims have been walking in the same footsteps where we will be walking.

This struck me today. It was a thought I really could not get out of my head. I am walking in the steps of many others seeking to see what God is going to reveal to me.

So as you read through my blogs I may not write lots of history... I may not write a lot of facts or details... but I will share with you my stories, thoughts and some pictures.

Blessings!

Scott

Holy Land Reflections August 27-28

2009-08-28T21:50:00.000-07:00

August 27 and 28

We finally got here! What a journey!!! What a blessing.

We of course had some airport issues. At Dayton they made me take my belt buckle off and the TSA guy was within inches of depantsing me. Mean guys with rubber gloves kinda makes you worry a little when your shorts are starting to fall down. No... this did not give me flashbacks to loosing my swim trunks when we went white water rafting. (just another strange Scott Story)

Two of our guys did not have their luggage show up. We are all offering stuff for them.

Some quick thoughts about my first impressions.

It is no wonder this land is such a sought out area within the middle east. It is so fertile. My first impressions were of west texas. Later I realized it was more like the panhandle of texas. You would see sandy soil and scrub then beautiful plots of farming. Lots of sunflowers and other plants. We had fresh bananas last night that were amazing.

We got to the town outside of Galilee where we were staying and I realized we were not following the map. Our lodging is actually outside of Tiberias in the location of the Beatitudes, It is a beautiful place. I will definitely have pictures as we go on this.

Overall things are good. I did not sleep much on the plane but that is typical. I had 8 hrs sleep last night and can use a few more and I will be back up to 100%

I really appreciate everyone keeping us in your prayers!

Scott

Holy Land Trip Day Before Departure

2009-08-26T05:45:00.000-07:00

Wow... I cannot believe I leave tomorrow. Just the time before the trip has been an interesting adventure. As far as I can tell so far as luggage and prep I am ready.

So far as the trip I am trying not to be ready. I am trying just to be open to what God has in store for me. I have some expectations but I am not holding onto them. I am curious as to what God has in store.

I know some have asked me about the details of this trip. This trip is all based on a grant from The Cousins Foundation through United Theological Seminary. The Cousins Foundation is a non-profit organization established by Tom Cousins who is a real estate developer in Atlanta. The trip is for clergy in Mid-Career and is intended to be a renewal trip not a hardcore tour trip like most Holy Land trips. Most days are just morning early afternoon excursions with the afternoon/evenings free. In fact we were recommended to make sure we take lots of naps or whatever refreshes us.

There were 20 clergy chosen with the criteria of being in Mid-Career (35-55) and not been to the Holy Land within the last 10 years. The group that is going is very diverse across the board in types of ministry, race, gender and denomination.

There are two days of all day touring and two retreat days with nothing at all planned.

Yes this was all paid for with the exception of a small portion we each paid as our registration feel. Also involved are two retreats one before the trip and one after the trip.

Here is the schedule we will be keeping:

Day 1 Depart from the U.S.
Day 2 Arrive at the Lod Airport tired after the overnight flight. Drive directly to your retreat location in Galilee and settle in.
Day 3 Morning excursion: Walk a trail to the top of the Cliff of Arbel for a panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee. Visible in the distance are the Plain of Gennesaret, Capernaum, Mount of Beatitudes and Tabgha. Descend the trail and drive to Capernaum.
Day 4 Morning excursion: Mount of Beatitudes, Tabgha (traditional site of the loaves and fishes), and Chapel of the Primacy of Peter (traditional site of Jesus’ appearance to the disciples while they were fishing: “cast your nets on the other side.”)
Day 5 Morning excursion: Boat ride across the Sea of Galilee to En Gev and visit nearby Kursi (traditional site of where Jesus healed the demoniac and cast the demons into swine). Return drive around the southern end of the Sea of Galilee.
Day 6 Morning excursion: Drive through Galilee to Zipori (Sepphoris) and Nazareth. Return by a different route that offers a better view of Mount Tabor (traditional Mount of Transfiguration).
Day 7 Morning excursion: Drive north to Banias (Caesarea Philippi) and the foothills of Mount Hermon. Along the way, pass Tell el-Qedah, site of ancient Hazor.
Day 8 No scheduled excursion. A day to rest, journal and reflect. Day 9 Transfer from Galilee to Jerusalem. The drive itself is approximately three hours, but there are two important places to visit along the way: Megiddo (Armageddon) and Caesarea Maritima. Day 10 Morning excursion: Begin exploring Jerusalem, starting with a panoramic view of the Old City from the Mount of Olives. Continue on foot to the Garden of Gethsemane, Church of Saint Anne, Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Day 11 Morning excursion: Continue exploring Jerusalem: Garden Tomb, Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu, Mount Zion, Wailing Wall.
Day 12 Morning excursion: Bethlehem.
Day 13 Full day excursion to the Dead Sea (including Masada, Qumran and Jericho).
Day 14 Return flight to the U.S.

I will make an attempt to briefly share my thoughts along with pictures. Much will depend on wifi, time and my sense of urgency or not to get it out at the time. I hope you enjoy my ramblings over the next few weeks.

Blessings!

Scott

Pre Holy Land Prep and Thoughts: Less than a week to go

2009-08-21T06:07:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I had such a strange day. It started out with a Jr. High Sunday School teacher prep meeting. First off... I am so blessed with the teaching teams I have both in Jr. High and High School. I have tried hard not to recruit for those positions but watch people around church and find who will fit into that situation. Now I did think a couple times I had the correct teacher set-up and it fell through... but I understand why now and that is totally ok. Our Jr. High is going to rock this year!

The next meeting I had was with two of the pastors going on the Holy Land trip along with another pastor friend of mine who has Led a number of trips over there. It was the orientation of info we may or may not know about going to the Holy Land. It was such a great help. But with hitting the one week mark yesterday I was just ready to be on the plane and figure it out. But, I know from previous experiences it is better to know so you do not stress there!

Yesterday I also got to go walking with Sam Trago. I am so glad his recovery is going so well. It was just refreshing in the midst of work and prep just to hang out and talk about nothing and everything and walk. It was a good thing for me to do.

I am so blessed with the stuff I do. I know sometimes I stress about not doing everything right or perfect. But, life is not perfect and neither am I. I still have lots to do and lots to prep but in the midst of it. But, I know I need to not let that get in a way of my metal preparation for this pilgrimage.

My thoughts and preparation have changed. I know I need this trip for multiple different reasons. I keep trying not to spiritualize stuff like this trip but I guess it is the only way I can think about it. It is truly an opportunity to soak in why I am where I am and where I may be going in the future. I truly believe the only way for me to do this is to just get away from stuff. Not running away... just getting away. Trusting my friends that I work with to watch over my areas and know that I will be able to take care of some things after I get back so quit worrying. The toughest part will be being away from my wife and daughter but I also have figured out some things through wifi to at least text them to touch base.

Ok... enough rambling. I just wanted to make sure I got my thoughts down to reflect later.

Pre Holy Land Prep and Thoughts: Hanging out in Mt. Lookout 's Java Joes

2009-08-11T10:55:00.000-07:00

I am nearing the two week mark. Trying to process where I am at right now. I am really excited... almost bubbling with enthusiasm and I just as quickly keep pushing that down. I know I need to keep real time in perspective. Every time I look through passages working on sermons I read a mention of a place and I think... Soon I get to see that place!

Today i got to spend time with my daughter Brooke getting some stuff done before school starts next week. She has grown up to be such a cool young woman. I know High School is going to be a big change for her but I also know it is going to be a good change as well. She has always been mature for her age and I know she can adapt better than most. I have to admit today I did admire her fashion ideas. She was wearing 3-D glasses as sunglasses. I really thought that was so cool but if I tell her that then it will not be cool at all. I am blessed with such a wonderful family!!!

Oh well... I am waiting on her to finish he appointment so I think I am going to continue my day of relaxed reading. I know one thing I am going to enjoy in The Holy Land is not having my phone with me. I realize more and more how much I watch for calls, texts and e-mails. Being away from the Palm will be one of the best things for me. I really do need to soak in the idea of truly living a time of sabbath.

I know this is more of a personal reflection type of blog this time but I am really just enjoying letting the words flow to the keyboard.

Blessings!

Pre Holy Land Prep and Thoughts: How To Torture Through Deep Thought

2009-08-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

I am still processing the orientation retreat for our trip. Getting to know my fellow Pilgrims was a wonderful thing. Unfortunately my attention span is not the greatest. On Monday we sat through going over a test that dealt with things called Enneagram's.

Now I am not going to go into and griping or complaining believe it or not but I did keep remembering a story my granddad told me about this round building you used to drive by every year on the way to our family reunion. We would come up close to it and he would point at the building and say... "Did you know some man went crazy in that building and died?" Of course we would always want to know why. Then he would smile and say: "Yes... the man went crazy because he couldn't find a corner to pee in." Ok... this is what I feel like sitting through long drawn out seminars... I just get antsy and don't want to be rude to the presenter but I begin to loose focus and no matter how important their information is I just cannot get through it because I have been sitting tooooooo long.

Now... that doesn't mean I didn't get anything out of it. I did... but I also had some time to to think and reflect getting ready for the two weeks in the Holy Land. Let me share with you my two reflections that I wrote during our exercise of silence. (my favorite part of the Enneagrams!)

Pilgrimage

The word pilgrimage is attached to this trip to the Holy Land. At first I thought that this word was to "Religious" but instead the more I have read and thought about it this is the purpose of this trip for many different reasons. It is a trip that has an air of mystery and wonder attached to it. I get to walk in places I have read and heard about since I before I can remember the first times the places were mentioned. It is a place both tied to history and current news. I get to experience cultures that are shaping our world today.

I wish I truly understood what this pilgrimage is going to mean for me. Maybe that is the point! I will know why I am on a pilgrimage when the reason for the experience hits me... or sneaks up on me.

Fun---Faith---Excitement---Fear---Mystery---Wonder
and God's incredible sense of humor.

Silence

Silence is a unique privilege and gift to allow ourselves time to absorb God's love through the screaming sounds of God's creation.

Silence is never quiet... Noise is always deafening!

Holy Land Preparation Thoughts: Difficult Gift Receiver

2009-08-05T05:54:00.000-07:00

On August 2 through the 4th we had our orientation retreat. Our meeting was at Bergamo in Dayton, Oh.

I began my retreat journey finding multiple ways of wasting time trying not to get to the center early. I have the never ending urge to always be everywhere early. I always do it. This is one of those times I just didn't want to do it. I wanted to be just on time. I was anxious. I was excited... I was a bit scared.

There were some "church things" that just happened which made me doubt myself just a little. It was something totally stupid but I always let people effect me unfortunately. So a bit of my personal confidence was dented... So I was going into this retreat... What if I am not as good of a pastor as the rest of this group? Am I as biblically knowledgeable as 21 other clergy types? Am I going to fit in? Am I "proper" enough to fit in with a group that was selected out of lots of other ministers to be worthy of such a gift as this almost free trip to the Holy Land?

The entire thing boggles my mind. Max Miller who was from the Cousins Foundation kept referring to this as a gift... It is so much more than that... Until I remember the gift of Grace that God gives us. When I start remembering I realize that God's grace is constantly surprising us with gifts in many different forms and appearances.

I love giving gifts. I do lots of things around Christmas to save money. For the last couple years I worked Ebay by finding things to sell or re-sell and earn money to buy stuff for my wife and daughter I would not normally have the money to do so. I love it... It is such a blessing to me. But, receiving gifts to me is difficult. I do not do it well. I wish I did. A couple years ago my wife for Christmas gave me a GPS. I have to admit of all the gifts I have gotten over the years this is one of my favorites. It is something that I had wanted for a number of years. It was a total surprise. I actually felt guilty about it for a while. I know what it cost... I know what my wife had to go through to get it... it was not necessary for her to get it... I was actually hard on my self about this incredible gift of love that came from my totally incredible wife.

It is so much easier to give... It sometimes really sucks to receive. I know why Christianity can be so difficult. We are given the gift of grace yet we do everything we can to run from it because we know it is a gigantic gift. We know it is a gift that is bigger than us. It is hard to understand... it is hard to acknowledge. Yet God gives us grace without any kind of strings attached. It is just there and we need to just be willing to accept and say thank you without trying to figure it all out.

I am sitting this morning at my usual early morning office at the coffee shop waiting to meet up with someone being reminded of such a simple lesson through such an incredible gift of a lifetime going to The Holy Land. So enough of the fear... enough of the anxiety... enough of the stupid over thinking. It is time to just say Thank You and get ready to Party in the Holy Land...

Proverbs 3: 5-6 Scott's Paraphrase

Hey Stupid... Will you finally trust God with your entire gut and quit trying to figure God out!
Just keep recognizing that God Is God and He will take care of the rest in spite of yourself!

Coffee, Fog and Thinking

2009-07-01T06:14:00.000-07:00

Ok... it is one of those mornings. It was really hard to wake up this morning. It was hard to get motivated... It has been hard to focus. I look outside and it is one of those hazy days.

It makes me wonder how much the weather is reflective to life. It is so easy to be motivated on a beautiful day. We tend to be full of energy and excitement. But, when it comes to these dismal hazy days we move slow and do not have much energy.

I want to turn this day around. I want to be energized. I want to be excited about a new day!! I want my coffee to kick in... LOL

Then I begin to wander. Would it be good to have every day as a good day? If we did we would always be on top. We would never have the opportunity to grow. Unfortunately we need those bad days. We need the days where we are not doing so well. We need the days that we need to work harder at.

So in a weird twisted way I guess we need to celebrate the bad days. Because without them the good days wouldn't have much meaning!

I do hope that God does bless you with some bad days along with lots of wonderful days mixed in!

Scott

Rest, Reflection and a good cup of coffee

2009-06-30T07:20:00.000-07:00

Well... I have had some time to rest from our mission trip. It seems like as I get older the recovery from trips and retreats takes a little longer. I think part of the reason is that trips now take twice the time. There is literally one week of intense preparation for a week long trip so before I even leave I am usually pretty wiped out.

But, every bit of effort put into a trip is worth it! It means I have most everything ready and things are less stressful upon starting the trip. I also feel like I am prepared for most everything that can and could happen.

This mission trip truly stood out. I will be the first to admit it that I had mixed expectations. A work trip is a work trip. I was amazed by what truly happened and how God worked in me in spite of me.

I was truly blessed by overseeing both sites as well as working with the church staff there at All God's Children. I truly have met a cool colleague in ministry through Anne Cloe at All God's Children. Sometimes you wonder I wonder how unique I am in ministry due to my personality and attitude about ministry. I am always looking past the obvious and trying to go deeper into the big picture. From the first minutes we were talking I found out that there was someone similar to my process in Aulander, NC.

Now I need to brag about my kids there. I could not have hand picked a better group of kids going. This is not a group of kids that would be considered close friends. In fact most of them do not even hang out together. Yet the bonds that happened were amazing.

I am really going to miss Hilary and Sam now that they have graduated and are moving on. It has been a blessing to me to watch them grow both in maturity and faith over the years I have known both of them.

I also need to mention how impressed I was with the student leadership from Jill Smith. Jill has so grown into a mature leader with our youth group. I really am looking forward to an amazing year with such a great group of kids.

Today I am enjoying my day off at my favorite booth at The Main Cup enjoying some great coffee and catching up with some friends and reading. It is nice to have a day to relax a little.

I hope your day is blessed with God's amazing love!

Scott

Thursday/Friday Post for Missions Trip

2009-06-26T10:01:00.000-07:00

Wow... I cannot believe that it is Friday!

Today we are wrapping up our major projects. The demolition project at Dallas' house was finished on Wednesday. Holly and Nancy along with a group of kids are doing our inside project over at Miss A's house painting her bedroom. We are working on a mural that is at the Anne's office entry. Some of the kids have been finding little jobs here around the church to do. At 2:00 we are going over to the demo site to pray around the cross.

Yesterday we went to Nags Head beach. It was such a wonderful treat to take our friends from here with us to go hang out at the beach and then pig out at the pizza buffet. It was so surreal for us to hear the news about Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett.

Ok.. enough from you I want our last blogger to share. Here are some comments from Sam Trago.

It has been really fun working with the families at the work sites. I have only been working at the demo site and we met Dallas. When we got to his house on Monday he led us in prayer and half way through it we noticed that he was very thankful that we were there. It has been fun helping him at his house.

Mission Trip Day 3

2009-06-24T14:35:00.000-07:00

Today is referred to as "Hump Day." There has been a lot accomplished and our group still is working so well together. I am turning today's blog over to the adult leaders.

Our first Blogger is Holly Young.

Wow! How do you describe a week that is indescribable?

Awesome....
Spiritual.....
loving......
exhausting.....
relationship building......
a Blessing......

I have seen God's hand in all that we have done this week. He is truly Magnificent!

I have a sign hanging in my Kitchen that my kids bought for me that says:
"BECAUSE NICE MATTERS" I really believe it does matter. Loving others in everything we do makes a difference. Our Youth are amazing and I see their Faith growing by the hour....they are strong, courageous, caring, compassionate, hard workers, and each very special in their own way. I have been Blessed this week to see Love at work!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christ calls us to Love.

Remember Love is a VERB.........................Just do it!

Love,
H to the olly (inside Joke! LOL)

Now let's here from Nancy Trago!

What an awesome week it has been! The journey here may have been long but what a wonderful welcome we received from the lovely people here in Aulander. Our arrival was followed by powerful praise and worship that touched our hearts and fueled us for the week ahead.

The warm weather has included a breeze that made us glad we got to work outside all week. Our team has worked on painting the exterior of a home that belongs to a darling staff member here at All God’s Children Church. Miss A, as she is so affectionately referred to, works 2 jobs each day and has not been home when we are there but she arrives at All God’s Children each morning before we leave for our work site and is beaming with the pleasure of progress made each day. Mr. Herbie looks on with a watchful eye and memories of painting this house himself 14 years ago. He is so appreciative of the heart and soul our kids are putting into his home. Jo Ann is a sister of Miss A visiting from New York and makes sure we all are hydrated and offering her assistance. It has truly been a labor of love and a blessing to be here and be a part of this project.

Our kids have done an amazing job and with tremendous heart. Never complaining and looking for the next task when one is completed. The Associate Pastor, Michael, has worked along side us much of the time and what a sweet soulful man he is. He had an interesting journey himself in the corporate world until he felt called to do God’s work. His experiences eventually led him here where he joined Miss Laura. How blessed are the many he has and will continue to serve.

I remember hearing a wonderful speaker once say to do something every day that scares you…not something foolish, but step out of that comfort zone and that little something will help grow you. Well, I have done that each day here. It’s been such a great week and it ain’t over yet!

Now Time for Rich Grant!

Today we were tearing down a termite eaten house and salvaged the sill plates from the foundation. The plates were 10 inch square beams. The house (or at least this part of the house) were about 100 years old and the sill plates were constructed with wooden pegs and forged nails. We were able to silage several large nails. The house was the childhood home of one of the people hosting our group for this project and described for us how their family constructed a wooden cross in their back yard when they were growing up. The cross is now long gone but she wished it could be replaced.

Our work team was able to notch two of the beams and from a large cross. The cross member was attached using four of the salved spike like nails. We found an old posthole digger in the shed and dug a deep hole to support the cross. - which was now old and rugged looking. It took six of use to set it in the hole and level it.

Watching as the spike nails were driven in to fasten the cross member was emotional for me. Each hit of the sledge hammer made my skin shiver. To think of these spikes penetrating flesh was a true God moment. Others in the group were shaken by the weight that of the structure and wondered how a single man could move it to the top of a hill. When we all stepped back many more thoughts were provoked. But to see the delight of a family to have a bonding symbol of their faith restored in such a grand way was the most gratifying moment of out mission trip.

Wow, is the only think I could think of standing watching our youth go through a myriad of different emotions in just a few minutes and taking pride in building such a strong symbol. I turned an looked at the area where a house stood only two days ago and took pride in the mission that our kids completed.

Well tonight we are off to a candy walk in the community. We will be going around the neighborhood passing out candy to the children that live around Aurlander.

Blessings!

Scott

Mission Trip Day 2

2009-06-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

We are beginning to see some real progress on our projects! Today we had 3 different projects we worked on. We continued on the Painting site and the Demolition site. We also had 3 of our girls go with Miss Anne over to the clothing store operated by the church.

I am so impressed by the work our kids are doing! We are really blessed this week with such a great group kids as well as a hard working fun group of adults.

I am going to pass my blog onto Timmy, Brad and Brett to share some thoughts about what happened at the Demolition site. The funny thing about these three besides their hats and glasses is that two of them are on the "injured" list. Timmy put a nail through his foot on Monday while Brett did a nail in his hand today. Both are alive and well and have up to date tetanus shots.

(Brett, Brad, and Timmy) so this has been a pretty fun trip so far we think. the ride was pretty boring though and as sam said their has 2 be an easier way 2 get here then 6 hours of back roads. many times the gps would say at next chance make a legal u turn. haha scott would reply shut up witch!! that was probably the funniest thing on the ride. we all have worked construction both days(except brad with doing both) so far with Dallas. he's really cool. so far we have took down the whole part of the house to the ground. Dallas has many interesting stories 2 tell. he helps us pass the time with those great stories. we did work on the site. EVRYONE WATCH OUT FOR TRIPLE A!!!!!!!! NO JOKE!!!!

Hilary has been working on the paint site all week and this is some of her story she would like to share.
Aulander has some of the cutest houses and neat looking little plants I have ever seen. The people of All God's Children have been so kind and helpful on and off the work site. Painting has been both fun and difficult. The fun part was painting everything in reach. The difficult part was when I got up on a wobbly ladder (I'm afraid of heights!) and Mr. Herbie told me it wasn't going anywhere but I was still scared the ladder was going to fall, that or I was going to drop the paint. However, as the day went on, I became more comfortable with the ladder and going up high. I also tried a moon pie for the first time and it was squishy.
At first I was worried that MFUMC group was way too few people, but I have really like getting to know everyone better and I am so thankful for the adult leaders who came on this trip! (P.S. my worst part of the trip was when someone stepped on my pillow and I mixed my towel up).

Brooke and Kendall have been working primarily on the paint crew but today Miss Anne needed some extra help so these two along with Jill went to help. Here is there story:

We went to the Home Base today to help sort clothes. Home Base is an older home donated by Laura Early that was turned into a clothing botique, where anyone can go to get clothes needed for free. At home base, we were greeted by twenty or so bags of clothes given to us by other so kind people who didn't have much but were still gracious enough to give away what they could. Today, we saw God working through many people and actions. It began to sprinkle, looking like it was going to storm, and the painters would not have been able to continue working through that, however the rain stopped (: At dinner, we were accompanied by many little kids around the town that needed a friend, dinner or someone to love on. We see God in their cute little faces and smiles, which brings much joy to our hearts. Herbie, who lives in the house we are painting, painted the house fourteen years ago, and is now incapable of painting it himself, so he is very greatful for our generosity. We are very gretaful that we had the opportunityto join everyone on this trip, and look forward to the many more fun times this week. Love, Brooke and Kendall ! :]

The picture above is the Home Base with a picture of Miss Anne. I tried to find a better picture of Anne but one of the rules this week were for me not to take pictures of her. So since I did not take this picture I thought it would be ok to use it. Anne has a long list of titles here at the church but this week I have been referring to her as Boss Anne! Anne truly has made this week smooth!!!! We are blessed to have her leadership this week.

Well... it is getting late!!! I hope you have enjoyed tonight's blog from North Carolina. Btw... for those Montgomery Inn rib lovers. I shared with our North Carolina friends how in Cincinnati they boil the ribs... I were truly upset about how we mess up our ribs. They also wanted me to let all the Cincinnati people know (actually all the Yankees know) that barbecue sauce should have tomato sauce as a base! They were also confused about why we would use spaghetti with our chili...

Blessings!

Scott

First Day of work for Youth Mission 2009

2009-06-22T19:04:00.000-07:00

We have completed our first day at All God's Children United Methodist Church. We are working on two projects. The first project is a painting project for Miss A. Miss A is on staff at the church as the custodian. She is such a sweet lady. It is a real joy to be able to paint her house.

The second job is a demolition job at another church member's house. The husband Dallas referred to it as "downsizing." The back side of his house was taken over by termites so we did some major work there! Here are some pictures of the two jobs.

Yes the picture of the dead squirrel was found inside of the wall of the house. The boy in the picture is Bruce otherwise known as "cannon ball."

Now I am going to turn my blog over to Sam Zang for some comments!

Well, one thing we all found out is that Scott found his GPS at the bottom of a buckett at the Goodwill!! According to the GPS, five and a half hours on two-way back roads in the middle of no were is a shortcut. ha. Needless to say there is a faster way to get here via highway. The positive side is that I got very acquainted with my iPod. Everyone I met so far has been very nice and am very glad I came. Anyhow to wrap it up, I am having great time so far even though everything is old and musty, which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I just dont do well with old stuff.

(Scott) Ok... I have to defend the GPS. What we found out is the Shortest Distance does not always mean the best way. But we did make it safe.

Now... I am passing the blog over to Jill Smith to share a little.

Okay, so I was on the demolition team today, and while it was super hard, it was definitely worth it. The family we are helping is so incredibly gracious to have our help. During our pre-work prayer the man who owns the house was actually moved to tears, and it made me realize just how much we are needed. We are having so much fun though! Everyone at the church is so friendly, and we're just having a blast. Also the food's really great, and I got to see a mummified squirelle up close and personal!! Haha. So yeah. Everything here in NC is just dandy and hope you guys are doing great at home!

(Scott) Thank you everyone for your prayers for safe driving and safety on the trip. You cannot help but fall in love with the people here! Anne or aka Miss Anne is a blast! Well it is getting late.

Blessings!

Scott

A nice quiet day off

2009-06-16T18:17:00.000-07:00

I originally had plans to meet up with a friend of my to go to this fancy hamburger place for meat, drink and conversation. Unfortunately work called for him so our plans ended. I did get to play taxi for my daughter and friend to Kings Island. This summer has been an interesting time to ponder and contemplate.

I have 2 months before I go to the Holy Land. My thoughts have been going to what am I looking for in this pilgrimage? The great thing is that I am going into it without a lot of preconceptions. The trip has been a blessing dropped in my lap. So I have not tried to structure how I am going to use my two weeks of renewal.

But wait... maybe that is what renewal is about. Allowing yourself to recharge not plan the recharge?

Ok... Next week is my mission trip with the kids to North Carolina. I am really looking forward to it. A week of sweating and playing will be good. I am so glad my daughter Brooke is going! This should be a great experience for us together!

Transvestites, Rednecks, US Army and Confirmation?

2009-06-15T18:04:00.000-07:00

Ok... This happened a few weeks ago but it needs to be put into written form.

We annually have our Confirmation Retreat in May at The Drawbridge Inn in KY. It is a great place for this with a very flexible staff. We have always had a great experience!

When I got to the hotel I saw 3 events listed on the sign board: Knife Show, US Arm Reserve #### Reunion and Celluloid Jam Convention.

I knew what two of the events were but I had no idea what a celluloid jam was or how it went on toast.

Well I got the kids checked in and noticed a interesting mix of gentlemen in overalls and baseball caps wandering down the halls showing off their knives they had just bought with a group of collegeish aged people with interesting different shades of rainbow colored hair.

We were in our second session when I looked up and saw this guy running down the hall in a skintight gold jump suit followed by a guy who was dressed as a gladiator up top sporting a speedo below.

A couple minutes later my confirmation leader came back from the front desk with a overweight man with a very hairy chest wearing a bra and a 50's type nurse hat and skirt was following her. She came in the room and told us there was a Rocky Horror Picture Show Convention going on in the hotel. The most ironic thing to me was that this was set up in the convention show next to the knife show... You can just imagine all the weirdness that followed us for the rest of the evening. The funniest thing I heard but did not witness was a drunken group of drag queens getting into a war of words with some of the guys from the army reserve group around 2:00 a.m. angry that the drunken drag queens had woken their families up. This is one confirmation retreat no one will forget.

I just wonder why weird things happen on these trip... Oh well... I am glad they are not boring!

Getting Started

2009-06-15T08:38:00.000-07:00

Ok... This blogging is going to be a test for me. I have never been able to keep a journal but know that with some things coming up in my life it will be good to begin this. Tomorrow morning or tonight I will write a more detailed beginning of my blog life.